Reptile guide for Jersey

Slow Worm Anguis fragilis

Looking very much like a snake these reptiles are actually legless lizards. Like many lizards they have the ability to shed their tails to escape predators, which is called autotomize. They grow up to 50cm in length and the juveniles of both sexes are gold with brown bellies and sides.

Adult males and females look slightly different with a black strip running along the side of the body of the females. The above photo shows a female.

Grass Snake Natrix helvetica

Grass snakes are non-venomous snakes that are often sighted near water. Spotting them is tricky due to their excellent camouflage in long grass.

Typically this species is a dark green or brown colour with a yellow collar behind its neck.

The grass snake is the rarest reptile in Jersey. Historically they were numerous across the island but their numbers have declined. The grass snake has recently undergone a population survey to help see how many are left and where they are found. This survey identified key areas that are used by the remaining population: Noirmont, Ouaisne, St Ouen's Bay and La Moye Golf Course. This species has also been spotted elsewhere but the largest population is found in the west.

Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis

Wall lizards are small and thin, generally a brown to grey colour with sections of green.

They are found in the east of the island with the largest population located at Mont Orgueil Castle. There are smaller populations mainly near fortifications: Fort Leicester in Bouley Bay, Rozel Fort, St Aubin’s Fort, Victoria Tower and Coronation Park.

Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilneata

With their striking green and blue colours, Western Green Lizards are a perfect model for photographers. Males are bright green with a bright blue throat and females have the same bright green colouration but with a duller blue throat.

Found in many coastal areas they prefer long grasses within a sand dune system.

Western Green Lizard

All of Jersey's reptiles are protected under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 which prohibits the disturbance of these species and also protects their habitat.

Are you interested in recording Jersey's reptiles? Get involved with ReptilewatchJE. Alternatively. you can submit your adhoc sightings here.